Emmerdale’s Michelle Hardwick says we’ve already met Vanessa’s mystery attacker on screen in shock stabbing storyline
Michelle has also hinted that her 'Dales alter-ego might be killed off after the attack
EMMERDALE star Michelle Hardwick has revealed that viewers have already met the man who stabs her onscreen alter ego, Vanessa Woodfield, in upcoming scenes from the ITV soap.
Vanessa will be left fighting for her life when she is knifed by a mystery person outside of The Woolpack in the New Year - with the man attacking after she catches him pouring petrol around the pub.
Viewers will see the attacker then make his getaway in Vanessa's car - completely unaware that toddler Johnny is strapped into the back seat.
Speaking to, 42-year-old actress Michelle has teased that we have already met the character involved - but she refused to reveal any more information about the assailant.
The star confessed that she was surprised to learn who the attacker was, adding: "The audience has met this person before.
"So that's intriguing, isn't it? And it's a he..."
She added: "We've got to think: 'Is it someone from Vanessa's past? Is it a connection to Charity or the Dingles?'
"We don't know anything about her mum or where Vanessa grew up.
"Now we know about her dad, so it could be a connection to him.
"He's probably made a few enemies because we know he's been in prison."
Talking through exactly how the incident unfolds, Michelle continued: "She [Vanessa] sees this hooded figure and they have a petrol can. This person has poured petrol all around The Woolpack.
"Vanessa doesn't know what to do in that instance, with a pub full of people and her girlfriend [Charity] inside.
"She does what she thinks is the right thing and tackles him, but in that instant, she gets stabbed.
"Vanessa is on the floor and she's stunned and in a lot of pain. She doesn't realise how bad it actually is.
"Then the man who stabbed her gets in her car and drives off with her son in the back."
Michelle remained tightlipped on whether or not Johnny will be found - also hinting that Vanessa may not survive the brutal stabbing.
She said: "Initially we think the wound is not that bad, but it is worse than we think.
"My contract is actually coming towards the end, so who knows [whether Vanessa dies or not]? Well, I do know actually!"
The shock scenes will air on Thursday, January 10 at 7pm and 8pm on ITV.
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